The tipping practice in the United States is quite different compared to other countries, and now a server’s video about leaving a tip caused a stir on the social media.
Taking to TikTok, user @mylasoasis_ spoke of the tipping practice and suggested that if you don’t leave a tip of 20% of the bill, you don’t deserve to dine at a restaurant.
In recent years, the topic of tipping has been all over the internet, with many sharing their frustration over the fact that leaving less than 15-20% is considered rude and inadequate.
“Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out,” Lillie says in her video.
She then touched the topic of the servers’ wages in the States, saying that no matter how much people argue that owners should give the servers higher salaries, it isn’t the case in America so they are forced to rely on tips.
“You can complain and insist that my employer should pay me a higher wage all you want, but this is America, and that’s not the case, okay?” she explained. “I receive $3.63 from the restaurant I work at. My income, my wage, is derived from tips.”
She added that restaurant menu prices are intentionally kept lower, so that customers leave a tip.
“The food is priced lower because you are expected to leave a tip on it,” she explained. “If you cannot afford to tip, then you don’t deserve to dine out.”
Lillie compared the work of a server with that of a nanny. “It’s the same thing with a nanny. If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she said.
She ended her video stating that if you can’t tip, then “you literally don’t deserve to dine out.” The TikToker suggested non-tippers choose fast-food places instead of restaurants.
“And to anyone who says we should be getting paid a higher hourly… Okay??? BUT WE AREN’T. Not tipping will only make your dining experience WORSE!!!!”
Needless to say, the video attracted the attention of many who shared their opinion.
“I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild, like, find a different job that doesn’t require you to run around and pays you well hourly,” one person commented.
Another person suggested that if a person isn’t happy with their job, they should seek other options. “If you can’t live off your job pay, find another job. This is ridiculous,” they wrote.
As expected, there were also netizens who agreed with Lillie’s opinion on leaving a tip. “LITERALLY… I make $2.13 an hour, and we literally don’t receive paychecks at all,” someone wrote. “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK,” another person added.
Someone gave a suggestion, writing, “Go off, girl. If someone doesn’t tip because they believe the employer should pay fair wages, then they should only support businesses that do so.”
There were those who said that they tip based on the service and that the 20% is just ridiculous if the service is not satisfactory.
What are your thoughts on this?
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Following my divorce from Roy, our son, Austin, stayed with me. We created a perfect little world together, but then his stepmom entered into his life, and everything started feeling different.
I was struggling to make ends meet. Bills were piling up, and even working two jobs wasn’t enough to have my household running.
As Thanksgiving approached, I started thinking about the years that have passed. Our table was always full and perfectly set. This year, however, I couldn’t even afford a turkey, let alone the pies and the decorations.
“Mom, are we getting a turkey this year?” Austin’s sweet voice asked. My heart shattered when I told him this holiday would be a bit different, crushing his dream.
Life was hard, and I felt bad I couldn’t afford the holiday my son deserved.
My ex-husband, Roy, called me a few days before Thanksgiving and offered to help me, but I was too proud to accept his help and said I had everything under control. The truth was, I hadn’t.
But he could sense things weren’t smooth, so he invited Austin and me at his new place. I didn’t want to go, but Austin insisted, so I said yes.
On Thanksgiving, my son and I headed towards Roy and Jill’s place. We knocked on the door, and the smell of a perfectly roasted turkey could be felt in the air. And there she was, Jill, Austin’s stepmom.
She was the most beautiful woman I knew. Tall, blonde, nicely dressed… and I hated her for that. Even in her apron, she looked glamorous.
The home looked like the one from the magazines. Austin’s stepmom made jokes that made my son and ex-husband laugh, and I was so uncomfortable that I didn’t even know where to place my hands or how to join in.
I felt like this woman stole everything from me, and now she was stealing my son.
Before she cut the turkey, she welcomed Austin to share what he was thankful for this year.
My boy excitedly said, “I’m thankful for my dad, and I’m thankful for my stepmom who got me the video game I loved so much, and I… I want to stay here with them forever.”
A lump formed in my throat as I gripped the chair’s edge to steady myself.
“Austin, you don’t mean that, right?” I barely muttered.
“But mom, this house is perfect, and Jill’s decorations are so cool.”
Everything felt blurry. Was I losing my son?
The following morning, everything felt different. Austin wasn’t home, he stayed with his dad and stepmom. I spent the entire day crying. There was no consolation for what I experienced. My son chose his stepmom over me. I failed as a woman, as a parent.
I worked day and night to be able to afford the perfect Christmas for him. From washing dishes at the local restaurant, to cleaning the offices at a huge company, I saved every penny for a perfect holiday.
First, I bought the LEGOs Austin loved so much and wrapped them in a shiny paper. Then, I set up the Christmas tree and put all of the ornaments Austin and I have been collecting over the years.
This Christmas, his stepmom wouldn’t outshine me.
On Christmas Eve, Austin was finally coming home. But, he didn’t come all by himself. He called me and asked me if his dad and stepmom can come as well. Unwillingly, I agreed. At the end of the day, it was all about Austin, and more than anything, I wanted to see him happy.
Jill approached me, as though she felt guilty for the state I was in.
“You see, I come from a blended family,” she said. “I never wanted to take Austin from you, you are his mom, the most important person in his life. I just want to be part of his life, but never take your place.”
Her words seemed genuine. I realized she wasn’t a bad person. In fact, she did love my son, I was just jealous of her because she could provide more to Austin than I could.
We had an open conversation and decided not to compete over Austin’s love and attention.
From that moment on, we celebrated the holidays as a family, and Austin shared his time between his dad’s and my place. I realized that no matter where he lived, Austin was my son and I needn’t have to fight for his love.
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My husband and I have been together for seven years. Our marriage has been picture perfect, or that’s what I thought so until I overheard his conversation with his friends during which he called me his ugly wife.
That day was like any other. I picked the kids from school and wanted to take some rest before dinner preps. While they both went to their rooms, I headed towards the living room.
My husband was there with some of his coworkers. He didn’t notice I was home as I got earlier than usual.
They were chatting and laughing so I walked towards my room instead, but his loud talking attracted my attention. It was never my intention to eavesdrop, but the curiosity got the better of me and I overheard their conversation.
Proudly, my husband said, “See guys, I had it all figured out. I married the ugly one and have the beautiful ones on vacations.” He then started laughing. “What’s best, I was given everything on a silver platter and my ugly wife is happy to be raising the kids and having the household running.”
His friends told him he was a smart man and they all laughed together.
I froze.
This was the man I’d trusted with my life and he thought so low of me.
I still couldn’t believe what I heard. I even pinched myself just to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. But no, continued bragging about all the beautiful side chicks he had in his life and how I wasn’t just ugly, but also unassuming and very much in love with him.
I did my best not to bolt. My revenge was about to be served cold.
That evening, he entered the kitchen and offered to help me with the dinner, salmon and broccoli, something our children enjoyed the most.
I acted as usual, but when he gave me a kiss on the cheek, I felt disgusted.
The following day, he went to work and I took a day off, so after I dropped my kids to school, I returned home and opened his lap top.
William Garner, the father of actress Jennifer Garner, died peacefully at the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.
The actress posted an emotional tribute on her social media, writing, “We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away— valid question).” Acknowledging that, “while there is no tragedy in the death of an 85 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners,” Garner added.
She continued her post, writing, “We are grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanor and quiet strength.
“For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.”
The Suddenly 30 star thanked the medical professionals who cared for her father.
“Your care extended Dad’s life and gave him time to be in his favourite spots —Surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved [Texas A&M] Aggies, captaining a boat, and — most of all — next to his wife of 59 years, our Mom.”
Garner, who is considered one of the few down-to-earth celebrities, shared a series of photos honoring her father.
Fellow actors, actresses, and friends posted their condolences.
“I am so sorry Jen sending so much love and healing to you,” Fashion designer Rachel Zoe posted. “He was the kindest most gentle sweet man.”
Actress Lily Collins said, “Sending you and your whole family the most love, light, and hugs.”
Eva Longoria posted, “Aw babe sending you my love and prayers for you and your family.”
The actress recently commemorated her parents’ anniversary by sharing a sweet photo of them together in front of a flower wall.
“Happy 59th anniversary to my incredibly sweet and loving parents,” the caption read. “Mum and Dad, for giving my sisters and me such a secure, happy start to life.”
Garner‘s tribute to her late father touched the hearts of many.
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Gerald found himself looking at the photo of his middle son for what felt like the hundredth time that week. The thought that Aidan didn’t resemble him troubled him.
He and his wife, Julia, were together for twelve years. They first met at a friend’s place, and they both knew they were meant for one another. Their life has been perfect, almost like a fairytale.
Soon after they got married, they welcomed their son Owen. The first comment when people saw the little one was that he looked exactly like his father, and Gerald was proud of that.
When their middle son was welcomed into the world, things felt a bit different. Aiden didn’t look like his father or older brother. He had completely different features, blonde hair, and pale skin. At the time, Gerald didn’t think about it much, but when their third son was born and he was a spitting image of his dad and his brother Owen, Gerald became suspicious.
He couldn’t silence his mind when it kept telling him that Aidan may not be his real son. With time, the burden of his own thoughts became heavier than he could bear.
Eventually, he decided to tell his wife about his troubled thoughts.
“Julia, there is something about Aiden that doesn’t feel right, and I…,” he said. Julia couldn’t possibly assume what he was trying to tell her.
“You see, our middle son doesn’t look like me at all. I guess I would find a peace of mind if we do a DNA test.”
Julia’s world spun around. Her husband’s words were overwhelming. She couldn’t believe that after twelve years of marriage, he questioned her fidelity.
Eventually, the much-anticipated envelope finally arrived. With trembling hands, Gerald opened it. He knew he would finally learn the truth about his middle son. But he also knew that despite the results, his marriage was shaky. His relationship with Julia was on the verge of breaking down.
The results showed 99.99% match. Aiden was his real son.
Gerald felt relieved by the revelation. But at the same time, he was defeated by the damage that DNA test had done.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle anticipated a care-free life in sunny California, bit it seems like things didn’t turn out that way.
When they decided to leave Britain behind and settle in the States, they hoped for a fresh start. However, they faced an array of challenges, one of which their inability to make friends and Harry’s feelings of nostalgia. Allegedly, he’s been missing his old life and his friends back in his homeland.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Harry has been looking for a house in Britain to have a place to stay when visiting his family, with whom he’s not been on good terms since stepping down from his royal duties.
Harry visited Britain a handful of times, and the possibility of him making a visit to his homeland together with his family is a matter of discussion because his wife Meghan fears for her children’s safety when in Britain.
A source close to the Sussexes opened up about Meghan’s decision not to accompany her husband to Britain for the Invictus Games celebration.
“It’s now got to the point where Meghan doesn’t want to come to the UK with the children. She just doesn’t feel safe. The situation is now about whether the family should attend with increased security or Harry should go it alone,” they said at the time.
Last year, Harry disputed the Home Office’s decision to cut his security protection while he was in the UK. Following his departure from royal life, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) withdrew his automatic police protection. Additionally, his offer to pay for his own security was rejected because British police could not be hired privately.
“It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020,” Harry’s statement, read by his lawyer Shaheed Fatima KC stated, as reported by BBC.
“The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.”
The Duke added, “I cannot put my wife in danger like that, and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P
However, Harry and Meghan are still close to certain members of the Firm, including Princess Eugenie.
Recently, the Sussexes purchased a residence in Portugal, which is close to that of Princess Eugenie.
According to Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, this could be interpreted as a good will by Harry and Meghan to stay close with select members of the royalty and possibly a step towards rebuilding their relationship with King Charles and Prince William.
Recently, however, rumors have surfaced that Harry and Meghan’s marriage may be shaky.
A source told Closer that Meghan Markle is “deeply concerned” that the royals “might manipulate” Harry into returning to the royal fold.
“Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point,” the insider said, per The Sun. “And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”
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In the resent months, both Harry and Meghan took a number of solo engagements, and as per a GB News source, the Duchess is affected by the rumors.
“She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” the source said.
“They haven’t done themselves any favours by doing so many separate events but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple and they both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts.”
The source added: “But it does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears, etc and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal.”
PR expert Ed Coram James argues that working on separate project may help the couple build more positive image of themselves as separate individuals.
He stated that ever since the infamous Oprah interview their shared brand has become “more toxic” and “commercially untenable.”
“This is because the ongoing confrontation with the rest of the Royal Family, as well as much of Meghan’s family, have made them appear confrontational and combative, their string of commercial projects that haven’t worked out and have led to a sense that they aren’t the best producers. And their worldwide publicity tour made them look whiney, ungrateful, and unconscious to the enormous privilege that they have enjoyed,” Ed Coram James told the Mirror.
Prince Harry during his visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
“To overcome the obstacles of appearing spoiled, arrogant, immature, attention-seeking, aggressive, fight-picking, hypocritical, and incompetent is very tricky. But, it is achievable. To do it, they need to lean into the exact opposites of these labels. The first step in this always had to be to dissociate themselves from the brand that had achieved such labels in the first place.”
James added: “When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels. If they manage to achieve this, then one day they could again reunite brands, and create a new combined brand that works.”
Renae Smith, founder and director of PR firm Atticism, agrees but believes that this decision could affect their relationship negatively in the long run.
“I think their decision to pursue individual brands could indeed work in their favour over the long term, although it’s bound to spark a fair amount of public speculation in the short term,” he said.
“From a PR perspective, this shift might allow each of them to create distinct brands that better reflect their different priorities and resonate more coherently with their individual audiences.”
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have admitted themselves that they’re at a ‘crossroads’ when it comes to their professional endeavors.
The Duchess attended a Thanksgiving event hosted by the Southern California Welcome Project in collaboration with their Archewell Foundation, while her husband was in Canada doing events related to the Invictus Games.
At the event Meghan attended, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with women who had resettled in the United States from Afghanistan. “This initiative, led by the partner organization Mina’s List, has spent the past year building community through storytelling and creating a safe space for women who have resettled in the U.S. from Afghanistan. The evening included a shared meal that encouraged open conversation centered on gratitude and resilience,” she said in her statement.
The couple will attend the Invictus Games in February 2025 together. They will likely take their children with them, which would be a rare public appearance of the young prince and princess.
Harry also explained why he and Meghan are attending separate events.
“I Google News-ed you, and there were people fascinated by everything you’re doing, all the time,” NYT journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Harry during the New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on Wednesday, December 4.
“They’re fascinated by Meghan, who is in California right now, and you’re here.
“And there’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you making independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?’”
Harry quipped: “Because you invited me, you should have known!”
“True,” Sorkin replied, “Is that normal for you?
“The second there’s an article — she’s in California, you’re in New York — they say, ‘Well, what is happening with these two, right?’ Is that a beneficial thing for you, in a way, that there’s so much interest in you?”
The Duke then admitted, “No, that’s definitely not a good thing.
“Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times.
“We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”
After speaking of his relationship with Meghan, Harry reflected on his tumultuous relationship with the media.
“I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid,” he said, “I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality.
“I’ve seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people.
“And I think when you grow up within that environment, you do find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people are thinking of that as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”
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Shoveling snow for our neighbor, Mr. Dickinson, who loves flaunting his wealth and bragging about his business ventures, was how my 12-year-old son planned to earn his money for Christmas gifts.
When Mr. Dickinson saw him one day and offered him $10 a day for shoveling the snow from his driveway, Ben was over the moon.
Although it was hard work, he was eager to be the one getting the dollhouse his sister Anne loved from the moment she saw it at the toy store’s window.
And for me, he wanted to gift me a Christmas scarf with snowflakes. “I’m saving what’s left for a telescope,” Ben said excitedly.
Midjourney
The thought of “earning” his own money by shoveling snow made him really happy.
On the first day, his little fingers were stiff, and his cheeks were red, but there was a smile on his face.
The following day, Ben’s excitement grew bigger. “Mom, I’m doing it faster now.”
Eight days of hard work passed by, and Ben was finally getting his money, or at least that’s what he thought.
Midjourney
While I was making dinner, he stormed inside the house with tears in his eyes. “What’s wrong, honey,” I asked.
He came closer, gave me a hug, and said, “Mom, Mr. Dickinson won’t pay me for shoveling snow all these days. He said no written contract, no money.”
My heart ached for my little boy, whom I had never seen as disappointed as he was in that moment.
“Don’t worry, Ben, I’ll handle this,” I assured him, put on my coat and shoes, and went straight to Mr. Dickinson.
Midjourney
He opened the door with a huge fake smile on his face. “Oh, what a pleasure, Mrs. Carter,” he said.
“I think you know why I’m here,” I said. “You owe my son $80 for his hard work of shoveling snow.”
“Well, Mrs. Carter, no contract, no payment. You know, that’s how real world works.”
Having heard that, I just turned around and left.
Midjourney
That evening, my husband and I made a plan. It was time that Mr. Dickinson learned a lesson of respecting a young man’s hard work.
In the morning, I told Ben and Anne to put on their winter clothes and get outside. When they asked me what we were doing that early, I told them we would be righting a wrong, and they both knew what I was talking about.
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My husband fired up the snowblower, Ben grabbed his shovel, and even Anne was determined to help teach Mr. Dickinson a lesson.
First, we cleared our driveway and then moved to the sidewalk, making sure we created neat paths for the neighbors. Then, as the snow pile grew larger, we approached Mr. Dickinson’s clear driveway.
Scoop by scoop, we buried this mean neighbor’s driveway under a fortress of snow.
Midjourney
Our fingers froze, and we were exhausted. However, Mr. Dickinson’s face when he spotted the piles of snow on his driveway was worth the struggle.
He was angry and started yelling at us, threatening he would file a lawsuit.
I then turned to him and said, “Well, Mr. Dickinson, there is something called quantum meruit in the world of law. A legal concept that says if you don’t pay for someone’s work, you don’t get to enjoy the benefits.”
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He said he didn’t care, and that he was calling the police anyways. But I reminded him there were plenty of witnesses among the neighbors who saw him exploit a minor without paying him for shoveling snow all way.
Needless to say, Mr. Dickinson understood he was wrong, and came knocking at our door with an envelope in his hand. Inside were the hard earned eight $10 bills.
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My heart was pounding with joy of the thought that my newborn twin daughters and my loving wife were finally coming home from the hospital.
The car was filled with a bunch of balloons, and I couldn’t wait to embrace them.
Midjourney
The moment I stepped in the hospital, I rushed towards Suzie’s room. Callie and Jessica were in their tiny beds, but my wife was not around. I thought she went outside to catch some fresh air, but then I approached my babies and noticed a note in one of the beds.
“Goodbye. Take care of them. Ask your mother WHY she did this to me.”
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My world collapsed. At that moment, the nurse entered the room. “Good morning, sir, here’s the discharge —” she said, but I stopped her and asked about Suzie. “She checked out this morning. She said you knew.”
Defeated, I took my babies and headed home. At the porch stood my mother. She was all smiles. “Oh, Ben, they are so beautiful,” she said and tried to take the girls, but I refused to let her have them.
Midjourney
“Mom, what did you do to Suzie,” I asked her. Her face went pale, but she denied ever saying anything to my wife.
“Ben, I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said, looking all puzzled.
I didn’t know what to think. That evening, I recalled every aspect of Suzie’s pregnancy. She always seemed very happy, and nothing spoke trouble. And now, I was all by myself, alone and miserable.
Then, I thought of the seemingly meaningless barbs my mom would throw at Suzie. She would always laugh them off, but could she in fact be hurt by it?
Midjourney
I went through Suzie’s things, hoping to find answers. And there they were, inside the tiny jewelry box she adored. A letter from my mom to Suzie in which she wrote my girls and I would be better off without her in our lives. She wrote Suzie wasn’t worth and that she trapped me with the pregnancy.
As tears started rolling down my eyes for not noticing my mom’s behavior towards Suzie for so long, I confronted my mother and told her to leave my home.
She tried to defend herself, but I didn’t want to hear the word she said.
Days turned into weeks, and I struggled with diapers, sleepless nights, and a lot of crying – from both my twins and me.
Midjourney
I contacted every person that knew Suzie, but no one knew where she could be. And then, one of her closest friends, Sarah, told me how she struggled because of my mother, but was too scared to tell me, believing my mom would turn me against her.
I was a lost man. Life was getting harder and harder with each passing day, and the girls’ 1st birthday was a bittersweet moment.
I lost hope of ever seeing my wife again.
One day, while the girls were playing in the living room, someone knocked on the door.
When I opened it, I saw my wife. She looked fresh and healed.
Midjourney
I didn’t say a word, I just embraced her and started crying. It was the first time in over a year that I felt whole.
Suzie cried even heavier than me. She started apologizing, saying that my mom’s actions and the postpartum depression overwhelmed her. She convinced herself that our daughters and I would be better without her in our lives.
But over time, she sought therapy and started feeling better. That day, she was finally able to meet us again.
We were able to rebuild what we almost lost.
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